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Budget cuts scheduled to go into effect Jan. 2 would slow approval of drugs for children and severely affect the Children's Oncology Group's research on pediatric and adolescent cancers, the St. Baldrick's Foundation cancer charity says. "Children with cancer would be unable to access clinical trials, medical discoveries that improve the lives of children will be stifled, and promising research on childhood cancer cures will grind to a halt," the organization said in a statement. Sequestration would cut cancer research funding by more than $450 million, the coalition One Voice Against Cancer said.

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The St. Baldrick's Foundation has given $21.2 million in 70 grants to children's cancer research programs throughout the U.S. and in other countries. The recipient of the largest grant, $6.7 million, is the Children's Oncology Group, which treats the majority of children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. St. Baldrick's is a volunteer-driven charity that raises funds through head-shaving events.

Dr. Peter Kurre of Doernbecher Children's Hospital has received a $100,000 grant from the St. Baldrick's Foundation to support further studies about how leukemia affects bone marrow and prompts resistance to cancer drugs.

Though interest has risen in finding cures for tuberculosis and malaria, little research is being done to find cures for most other neglected diseases, according to a report from Médecins Sans Frontières and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative. Continued focus and funding might bring more drugs into the pipeline, but obstacles in getting the drugs and vaccines to affected populations must also be overcome.

Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., unveiled a bill they said would improve testing of children's drugs and medical devices. The Better Pharmaceuticals and Devices for Children Act would ensure "children are never an afterthought when it comes to the safety and effectiveness of our nation's drugs and medical devices," Murray said.

Children raised by demanding parents are more likely to become bullies, while those raised in nurturing environments are less likely to taunt other children, according to research presented at the American Sociological Association annual meeting. "Children learn from their parents how to behave and interact with others," said University of Cincinnati graduate student Elizabeth Sweeney. "Children who experience hostility, abuse, physical discipline and other aggressive behaviors by their parents are more likely to model that behavior in their peer relationships."